Jennifer Sheahan: How to cool your home this summer

'Ireland is not a nation of air-conditioned homes — cooling ourselves down is not normally something we need to worry about'

A bulky air-conditioning unit would be unsightly in Jennifer's small bedroom. Picture: Nolan Moya Nolan

I am, like the rest of the country, keeping everything crossed for a glorious Irish summer. We’re owed one, and there is truly nowhere better than Ireland on a sunny day. What I am slightly apprehensive about, should my wish come true, are sunny days followed by meltingly hot sleepless nights. My main bedroom is in a dormer extension, and my builder did a great job of insulating my home, so I’m very lucky to be cosy with low heating bills. But on a hot day, it is a sauna. 

My bedroom has a large south-west-facing window, which is wonderful for afternoon and evening sun. Too wonderful. I do keep shades closed and have fans going on sunny days, but it’s not always enough.